After the crew gave Warren Sapp a little bit of praise for his trip to the finals of DWTS, Sapp took the time to apologize for his comments directed at Keyshawn Johnson. The outspoken one, who railed on Keyshawn's new interior design show and the ESPN analyst's masculinity last week, decided to say a few words that were apparently inspired by a talk with his mom. Here's the video complete with a bonus Collinsworth-JB tiff story....

See how easy that was? Sure the comments came at the very end of the show, and after he had already piled on Donovan McNabb, but you have to start somewhere. I still think Warren is a good addition to the show, and as soon as he realizes that he doesn't have to say something outrageous each week, he'll become even better.

Oh and don't forget to vote for the big guy!

Sapp apologizes to Johnson, criticizes McNabb (NFL.com)

I completely understand the role that Showtime has tried to place on Warren Sapp, or that he did so on his own, but this just takes it to a whole new different level. On Wednesday's Inside The NFL, Sapp was taking questions for a segment called "Ask Warren Anything". A question came in about whether Warren would be watching Keyshawn Johnson's new design show on A&E and this was the outspoken one's response. Via Adam Schefter's blog on NFL.com....

In a special segment on this week’s Inside The NFL, Warren Sapp answered viewer submitted questions during “Ask Warren Anything”.

Below are transcription highlights of the show.

(On rumor that Sapp is a diva on “Dancing With The Stars”)
SAPP: I’ll tell you what. I have to be honest about the diva thing. I am a little eccentric at times. I like cold water and in California they like it room temperature. And as a 300-pound man I needed a little cold water. So they gave me a big cooler and they put “Warren’s Water,” so I guess that’s where they get that from. If a big fella needing cold water is being a diva, then diva I am.

(On whether he would ever watch Keyshawn Johnson’s reality show about interior design)
SAPP: Me, watch Keyshawn on an interior decorating show? Keyshawn, I knew you were a bitch. And thanks for making it all clear.

I know what the term "bitch" is supposed to mean nowadays, and I know that we are overly sensitive as a society, but that's just flat out uncalled for. Even if you take away the sexist nature of the comment, there's no point for Keyshawn's name to be coming out of Sapp's mouth in this format. If he wants to go on some douchebag's talk radio show and spout off at the mouth....fine. But to do so on a once classy and well done show like Inside the NFL, and to not be reprimanded after multiple attacks like this, makes me think that Showtime just isn't taking their direction with the show seriously.

I really hope that Keyshawn doesn't take this bait, and sink to Warren's level, but nothing would surprise me these days. I'll try to have the video up later in the day for posterity when ITN re-airs today, but that's the last time I watch that garbage. There's just no need for more of this crap in an already crap-filled Sports World.

Warren answers anything (NFL: Adam Schefter)

After learning that Joey Sunshine was going to be on Inside the NFL yesterday, you just knew I would have something on him today. About halfway through the show the panel was discussing the Titans when Theismann dropped a bombshell on the group. He predicted that the Titans would go undefeated.

Now I know what you're thinking. There's no way in hell they can win the rest of the eight games on their schedule. Well, our friend Joe actually made a pretty good case for the team....

It's obviously highly unlikely, but based on his analysis there, I guess it's possible. Their schedule is really favorable, and anything can happen in those last two weeks. I still don't think it's happening, but at least Theismann knows what he's talking about these days. Unlike Cris Collinsworth, who at one point said he wanted the NFL to shrink the size of balls so more players could be QBs, and his reasoning was because backup quarterback have been so terrible this year.

Yep, Kerry Collins, Gus Frerotte, Jeff Garcia, Kurt Warner, Matt Cassel and Byron Leftwich have all been awful this season. I'll give him Brad Johnson, and whoever Kansas City is currently starting, but other than that he's way off with that line of thinking.

Hey, why not another "analyst war" to add to the growing list? This time it involves Warren Sapp and Keyshawn Johnson, and was of course started by Sapp during his weekly random bashing on Inside the NFL. So the topic of discussion was the Cowboys, and how Brad Johnson was going to work for them, when out of nowhere he goes into a mini rant on ex-Cowboy and current ESPN analyst, Keyshawn Johnson....

"An accurate quarterback, a championship, someone that knows the ropes and how to distribute the ball. He’s played with worse malcontents than T.O. He played with Keyshawn. Keyshawn was kicked off the team, away from us. Terrell Owens is a choirboy compared to Keyshawn. He’ll get the ball and distribute it and they’ll be fine."- Warren Sapp

Now I sort of understand the point he was going for there, but was there really a need to bring Keyshawn's name into it like that. Obviously, based on reporter's and teammate's accounts of his demeanor, the statement is likely true, but Sapp is just taking every chance he can to be controversial. Sooner or later that's going to come back to haunt him.

Warren Sapp calls Keyshawn Johnson 'malcontent' (Watchdog)

I keep forgetting that Inside The NFL is on Showtime, but luckily for me, Warren Sapp keeps saying controversial things to remind. This week's comment is on the Dolphins' "Wildcat Offense" and Warren wants you all to know that he think it's "disrespectful". Via ESPN's AFC East Blog....

Warren Sapp, found on page 142 in the Guinness Book of World Records as the most inflammatory sports commentator, considers the Miami Dolphins' exotic Wildcat offense an affront to the intelligence of opposing defenses.

"This is disrespectful to all defenses," Sapp said on Showtime's "Inside the NFL" roundtable Wednesday night. "It's disrespectful. You're taking the best player in the game, the quarterback, and you're putting him out wide, outside the numbers, and you put the running back in the back.

"How the hell you going to throw the ball? I'm not even thinking about throw right now. I'm going to get everybody in the gap. It's just power 'O.' You have the running back with the ball already in his hand."

I'm not quite sure why Warren Sapp is so offended, or that he doesn't remember Ronnie Brown throwing a TD pass, but....okay? It's not like the Dolphins are world beaters this year, so I don't really see what the big deal is. I like Warren's honest approach, but you start to force stories....that's when your credibility starts to slip. You don't have to say something off-the-wall every week, but I guess as long as ESPN picks it up each week, then you mind as well keep it up.

Sapp calls Dolphins offense 'disrespectful' (ESPN's Blog Network)

One of the things I always looking forward to when new ex-players and coaches become a member of the media, is whether they give easy/cupcake answers to questions, or if they actually give honest and sometimes difficult responses. Most people won't say anything about former teams and teammates, but with Warren Sapp we knew it was just a matter of time, and Lane Kiffin's firing gave him the perfect opportunity.

Sapp just laid into the Raiders' entire organization this past Wednesday on Inside the NFL, and the comments were so strong that ESPN even picked up the story....

"[Davis] is the common equation," Sapp said on "Inside the NFL." "You take him out, put him at home watching film or whatever he is doing -- you have a functioning football organization. But once he comes over the top, he goes and starts moving it around.

"Al Davis knows football -- it's just '60s and '70s football. That's what it is. He's thinking that Cliff Branch is outside and [Jim] Plunkett is dropping back and you can throw it 80 yards down the field -- deep ball, deep ball, deep ball."

Sapp even said that Davis would call in plays when Sapp was playing for the Raiders.

"I remember the first two weeks I was there, we played a preseason game. Somebody came up one time and said, 'We're going deep right here, dog.' I said, how do you know? He said, 'The phone just rang.'

"All the preparation that goes into a week of work is there, the practicing that you have to put in order to do these things, sometimes [Al Davis] messed with that part of it and that's what kills you," Sapp said on "Inside the NFL."

I thought I had the video, but for some reason it didn't save (I'll keep trying to look for it though). Either way, you get the idea. It was a pretty eye-opening segment and a refreshing change from the usual run-of-the-mill responses you get from ex-players. Warren Sapp still has some work to do on the show, but as long as he keeps up this level of honesty, I think more and more people will start to tune in.

Update: And here's your video....

Sapp says Kiffin treated unfairly, blames Davis for Raiders' mess (ESPN)

I haven't been paying too much attention to Dancing With The Stars, but when The Sports Hernia pulls photos like the one above, I'm going to take a gander. Here's Sapp's all-leather, Matrix'esque performance from last night....

Again, I'm rather impressed by Sapp's moves, but that leap did not look nearly as good in video form as it looks in that picture. The big man is still alive though and I'll be watching for some more performances like this down the line.

Bedazzled Undertaker invades Dancing With the Stars (The Sports Hernia)

Last year I was intrigued by Mark Cuban's foray into dancing on the reality show and this year it's Warren Sapp who I wanted to check out. Here's his first go at the "cha cha" from last night's debut....

Anytime a dude with a belly can pull something like that off, it's sure to impress some people. The NFL continues to own this show, and while I'm not going to be watching it again the rest of the season, I fully enjoyed that performance. Good job Warren, now go and make Inside The NFL exciting too.

I mentioned yesterday that there were going to be some guests stopping by for the first episode of Inside The NFL on Showtime. Roger Goodell was boring (as expected) and Deacon Jones was entertaining (as expected), but it was DWTS's Kym Johnson that stole the show. Well, she wasn't that exciting, but her appearance gave us our first look at Warren Sapp's new moves....

Forget Warren, get Collinsworth on that show. He just swooped in and went to town with Kym Johnson. As far as the show went, it really didn't vary much from its predecessor. There were a few old elements that were missing (a handful of people emailed about the "Beat The Pros" segment from HBO), but for the most part it was on par with HBO's version. I enjoyed all four during the program, but there were a few annoying jester-like moments from Sapp. It wasn't anything that would cause you to change the channel, but hopefully he tones it down.

Oh and please Showtime, please don't try to promote Dancing With The Stars. Occasionally is fine, but every week would get old quick.

Inside The NFL Debuts On Showtime Tonight With A Few Special Guests (Awful Announcing)

Showtime seems to be all-in on promoting its version of the Inside The NFL with Warren Sapp and will feature multiple segments with the ex-defensive end when it debuts tonight on Showtime. The program will also have three special guests according to Market Watch....

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, Hall of Fame defensive end Deacon Jones and Dancing With The Stars professional Kym Johnson are among the special guests for the premiere episode of INSIDE THE NFL on SHOWTIME this Wednesday, Sept. 10, at 9 p.m. ET/PT.

Jones, one of the most feared defenders of the 1970's, will face off with INSIDE THE NFL analyst and latter day counterpart Warren Sapp in a segment entitled "Debate '08." In the spirit of this election year, Jones and Sapp will debate their respective era's gridiron greatness.

Johnson, a Dancing With The Stars veteran who is currently in rehearsal as Sapp's dance partner for this season, will be on the set of INSIDE THE NFL.

I'm still amazed that so many people watch DWTS, but Showtime couldn't have hoped for better timing in Sapp's appearance on the program. The show always had its diehard fans, so it will be interesting to see if Showtime tries to appease to them, or tries to take it in a new direction.

Also, if you look at the promo photo above it appears as Showtime is already billing Warren Sapp as the court jester of the quartet. I don't think I've ever seen JB with a mean look on his face and he's actually scaring me a little bit. I'll be watching tonight and will have reactions and video tomorrow.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, Kym Johnson and Deacon Jones on Tap for Debut Episode of Inside the NFL on Showtime (Market Watch)

Warren Sapp is one of the four parties involved in the new version of Inside The NFL that just moved from HBO to Showtime for this upcoming season. Warren is with a lot of people in thinking that the HBO version of the show had become boring and that the relaunching of the show on Showtime will help. He had this to say on the new version of the show to Boston.com....

Former NFL star Warren Sapp will be an integral part of the series. Sapp, who will team with Cris Collinsworth, Phil Simms, and James Brown, promises the show will be an improvement.

"I would hope to God it would be because the one on HBO just got bland," said Sapp, not one to edit himself. "It got bland, it got boring, and it just sat there that it was a foregone conclusion that somebody was supposed to tune in because it was what it was. You have to entertain the people. I think us four guys are diverse in every way possible and complement each other. We've got two champions. We've got a quarterback, a receiver, a defensive lineman, and a non-football guy. We've got four guys who are respected throughout the league."

Seems like standard operating procedure right? The show is moving networks and people need a reason to watch, so he hypes it up a little. I'm also inclined to agree with Sapp in that the show really didn't bring anything new to the table in the last few years, but apparently those comments rubbed one Peter King the wrong way. From MMQB via Fanhouse....

It'll be interesting to see the first production meeting at Showtime, when someone reads that quote to that boring co-host of the HBO show, Cris Collinsworth, who is only the best studio analyst in recent sports TV history. He never "entertained the people.'' No, not Cris. Remember last year, Warren, when every other sports TV analyst was covering his rear end on Bill Belichick and Spygate -- and I mean every one -- and Collinsworth ripped him a new one for dishonoring the game? There's a case of the totally bland Collinsworth just showing up for the paycheck every week. I can hear Sapp in that production meeting next week: "Cris, I didn't mean you. You're the greatest! It was all those other guys who put me to sleep!''

Ooooooooooh snap! We've got a budding analyst war before the show even starts!!! The first show on the new network is September 10th and I think this little tiff just gained it one new viewer.

'Inside' shift gets face lift (Boston.com)
Quote of the Week IV (Monday Morning QB)
Peter King Not Happy With Warren Sapp Over 'Inside the NFL' Comments (Fanhouse)

Showtime has named it's panelists and according to USA Today the only hold over from the HBO edition is Cris Collinsworth....

Longtime Inside analyst Cris Collinsworth, also an NBC and NFL Network analyst, will return. The weekly show, McManus says, might have a fourth analyst or "rotate that seat among recently retired and current players."

Meaning, longtime Inside analyst Dan Marino is out. McManus says Marino will continue as a "key mainstay" in CBS' NFL studio — and did a "terrific job" on HBO, but "we didn't want to just have CBS people. And we wanted a link to the HBO show. It was a tough one, in respect to Dan, to go with Cris."

I've never been the hugest fan of Dan Marino but it's still going to be tough to have the show with out him. Your other parties involved are James Brown taking over hosting duties from Costas and Phil Simms. There is no word on a fourth as of yet but the early word is that they will keep the fourth seat open for current NFL players and retired ones with attachment to the stories they are discussing.

Showtime goes with experience for 'Inside the NFL' lineup (USA Today)

I find it very odd that Inside The NFL would just trade cable movie channels but once you figure out who the partners are it makes total sense. The long-running show is doing just that this July as Showtime has reached a deal with NFL Films....

"Inside the NFL" is switching teams: The long-running HBO show is moving to rival pay cable network Showtime in the fall.

The NFL studio show, produced by NFL Films and Showtime's corporate sibling CBS Sports, will air at 9 p.m. Wednesdays starting September 10 and running through February 11.

A talent announcement isn't expected until July, though the hosts are likely to comprise one CBS Sports talent along with other non-CBS talent. Those could be from other networks, such as Bob Costas and Cris Collinsworth, who worked for "Inside the NFL" while working for NBC Sports, but aren't expected to return to the show. CBS' Dan Marino also has co-hosted the series.

I'd love to see who they tab to host this thing, but it's very unlikely that I'm ever going to see it. Outside of Boxing and Weeds the channel is the worst thing on cable television. I'm glad to see that one of the longest running shows got a home but I'm not sure how long it's going to last.

"Inside the NFL" moving to Showtime (Yahoo)

Earlier this month NFL Films had to "let go" of a few employees in a move which was called "a leaguewide belt-tightening". Well now people in the know are saying that the costs might finally outweigh the benefits. This seems to be due in large part to HBO dropping of Inside The NFL and NFL Films might be next. Via Philly Daily News....

It also has pointed to HBO's recent decision to end its long-running show, "Inside the NFL," which relied heavily on NFL Filmsproduced work.

"We're in a time in America financially that's quite unique," New England Patriots owner Bob Kraft, the chairman of the league's broadcast committee, told the Daily News. "Everyone's trying to run their business soundly.

"I think what you're going to see in America in the next 6 to 9 months is, every company is going to look at redundancy. Whether it's newspapers or brokerage firms or insurance companies or retailers or professional sports leagues. We're in a period in our economy where people who want to be strong 10-15 years from now have to do that. If they don't, they won't be around."

Kraft and the league's other owners will discuss the Films layoffs, as well as the struggles of the 4-year-old NFL Network, next week at their annual March meeting in Palm Beach, Fla.

There's nothing better than putting in the Super Bowl XXII Highlight tape from NFL Films and watching the greatest quarter ever played. Hell I think the only reason I still have a VCR is to watch old Super Bowls. I've bought ever tape/DVD since the Redskins won in 1988.

If you're deciding between NFL Films and the NFL Network feel free to drop the pointless channel before one of the NFL's greatest institutions.

NFL Films is taking shots (Philadelphia Daily News)

ESPN has just released a statement that for some reason they are adding yet ANOTHER ex-player to the mix of analysts covering Football for the network. Cris Carter will be joining the team next season as analyst!

Former All Pro wide receiver Cris Carter has joined ESPN as an NFL studio analyst and will appear on NFL Live, SportsCenter and ESPNEWS, among other programs. As part of his multiplatform role, the 16-year NFL veteran will also contribute analysis on ESPN Radio and be part of ESPN’s 2008 NFL Draft coverage. Carter will begin April 1. He will also participate in ESPN The Weekend this weekend (February 29 – March 2) at Walt Disney World Resort.

Man they waste no time getting him involved do they? Ship him to Orlando stat! In all seriousness this is probably one of their better hires over the past few years. Carter has always been solid on HBO and I always thought his insight could be used more throughout the league.

Now we can only hope they don't drop someone now that they've got 8 ex-players/coaches (Mike Ditka, Merril Hoge, Tom Jackson, Keyshawn Johnson, Mark Schlereth, Emmitt Smith, and Steve Young) to deal with. Just don't let it be Emmitt because then I'd only have Berman left to make fun of next season.

(Via ESPN PR)

I completely forgot to watch the last installment of HBO's Inside the NFL last night and maybe that's pretty telling of how far down the show has fallen. The head honchos state the reasons for canceling the show are all of the other highlight alternatives out there and that people are just burnt out by the time Inside airs.

While they might ultimately be right that doesn't mean Bob Costas has to be happy about it. Via SBD....

Cris Collinsworth said, “As (Dan Marino) put it to me yesterday, he’s never been fired from a job before.”

Bob Costas: “Who said that any of us got fired? Just because somebody made a boneheaded decision to discontinue one of the best and longest shows on television, that doesn’t mean any of us got fired.”

Well then. That's the way to go out on a good note Bob! Let's not forget that you're the only one of that cast that has another show on HBO that isn't necessarily pulling in the ratings. You know the one named after yourself....Costas Now? Be careful my friend.

(The show re-airs tonight, so I'll try to grab the video)

It's a sad day when a program that you watched as a kid and one that's been on the air for over 30 years is canceled. According HBO via SbB this past season of Inside the NFL was it's last....

Home Box Office is passing on its long-running series Inside The NFL after 31 years.

Tonight’s episode will be the last for the series, which since 1977 has recapped the prior week’s National Football League games via highlights and analysis from hosts Bob Costas and former NFL players Dan Marino, Cris Carter and Cris Collinsworth. That show, which will recap the New York Giants Super Bowl victory over the New England Patriots, will feature a short retrospective of the series’ history, according to HBO executives.

“Inside the NFL has been a hallmark program for three decades on HBO,” HBO Sports President Ross Greenburg said in a statement. “It has been a terrific franchise … but the television landscape has changed quite a bit over the last 30 years and we have to recognize the realities of the business. I’m not sure we had more than one competitor when the show launched.”

I don't know many people who didn't watch the show, but apparently that wasn't enough for one of the best places to catch NFL Film style highlights every week. I will miss you Inside the NFL, and I will miss these outbursts Dan....



HBO Saves Dan Marino A Future Hairline Fracture (Sports by Brooks)
HBO Sacking “Inside The NFL" (Multi Channel)

I don't know about you, but I have a pretty immature sense of humor (must be why I hate British people). If you didn't already know......the 'Boys are apparently blaming Romo's botched hold on the NFL's special kicker ball, or K-Balls. While it appears that this could be the case (I noted at the time that the ball looked "brand new") it's all a little after the fact. Why hasn't anyone said anything before now?

Well, all this K-Ball talk cracks me up because no one says the K....they just say balls. So here's a collection of lovely quotes from the NFL's finest.....

"The Balls are not good balls for performing football duties — catching, holding, kicking, punting."- New Orleans Saints kicker John Carney

"The balls, it’s like they’re coming in a Brinks truck. It’s the darndest thing you’ve ever seen. And they’re guarded. Now the kickers complained, but statistically nothing changed too much. We evaluate that. At least we knew it wasn’t going to be filled with helium."- Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren

"These balls are handled by special ball boys and are kept separated from the regular game balls, even though they are the same."- Former NFL Ref Jerry Markbreit

"The balls the quarterbacks use, they'll take them down, they'll rub them, they'll break them in, and use them throughout the week to have them not be so new."- Giants Kicker Jay Feely

"The reason this was put in place was to prevent teams from doctoring balls for kicking," League Spokesman Greg Aiello

"The balls are very, very slick. They have a lot of wax on them because they are brand new. You don't get to work them in very much, and you see a lot of that happening."- Eagles Kicker David Akers

......and my personal favorite.....

"They're slicker than the plastic balls my kids play with."- Eagles Long Snapper Mike Bartrum

Oh god....I slay me sometimes. Good times....good times. Just the imagery of balls being shipped in by Brinks trucks made my day.

***Update***- From Wasting Company Time

On "Inside the NFL" on HBO they are discussing the cowboys-seahawks game and of course they mentioned the dropped hold on the FG attempt. Then they started talking about the K-balls, someone mentioned rubbing the balls, and they all completely lost it.

Someone send me that video! I need more laughs!!!

From Sports Media Watch comes a hilarious video of Costas.....well.....you'll see



Dan Marino likes to inflict pain......just thankfully he didn't do this to Costas.